Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Marathon Preparation

It is FINALLY here!!!!!
I have been training for 18 weeks to prepare for my first full marathon! There have been many falls, injuries, blisters, lost toenails, and lots of blood, sweat, and tears that went into this training.
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I didn’t expect to, but honestly I learned a lot about myself through this as well. I learned to push myself harder than I thought I could and persevere through some major obstacles. It was not easy, but I am so thankful for every run I completed.  I sacrificed every Saturday morning for 18 weeks to do my long runs. I have woke up at the crack of dawn to run before school in all kinds of weather.  I showered in the girls’ locker room for the last 3 months.  It was not always easy or fun, but I did it.
Marathons are not for the weak at heart.  This takes some serious dedication, sacrifice, and mental toughness.
I know a lot of people don’t get it or think it’s stupid to “run 26.2 miles for fun,” but honestly, I know if I can do this (and I can!) that I can do anything!!! (Phil 4:13)
#running
This Saturday is the big day!
My friends & Big Jon & I are packing our bags and heading to Savannah for the race.  I cannot even tell you how nervous/excited/anxious I am ~ I could barely sleep last night & it’s still 5 days away!!
I have ice massaged, stretched, cross trained, soaked in Epsom salt baths, been adjusted at the chiropractor, had a few therapeutic massages, cried, researched, read tons of running articles, and ran every. last. mile. (and then some) on that training program to prepare.
I am READY!!!
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I don’t know what to expect. I have never run 26.2 miles before.  I know anything can happen, but I have put in my prep work and I am going to go out there and run my tushy off. Gonna leave it all on the course, and celebrate like crazy when I cross the finish line. (I’ll probably cry….so what?!!?)
Running
I am thinking of doing the mobile app that allows people to track my progress while I run….but don’t want to put to much pressure on myself. What do y’all think?
Here’s my mantra for race day….(my favorite quote from my favorite movie!!)
 My mantra for marathon training.
"Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it."
-Oprah Winfrey
"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it's all about."
-PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian

4 comments:

Sam W. said...

good luck!! i hope you have a great time :)

Always Learning said...

You are one brave woman! Good luck. Ice messaging is the best!

Leah @ Everyday Love said...

Good Luck Girl!

Anna Catherine said...

Super excited for you! Hope it goes great! I know we don't know each other, but will definitely say a prayer for you tonight!